Now it’s not just texting, but cell-phone use in general that is prohibited for teen drivers with Level 1 or Level 2 licenses.

The new restriction on the Graduated Driver Licensing program went into effect Thursday. Known as Kelsey’s Law, the legislation was named in honor of 17-year-old Kelsey Raffaele of Sault Ste. Marie, who was tragically killed in a cell-phone related crash in 2010.

According to Cheboygan County Sheriff Dale Clarmont, deputies won’t need to have an alternative reason such as a faulty tail-light to stop a teen driver and cite them for cell-phone use. Spotting a driver using the phone will be enough.

“Kelsey’s Law is a primary offense — which means a driver can be stopped solely for the offense,” Clarmont said Thursday. “If we see a violation, appropriate enforcement action will be taken.”

Violations of Kelsey’s Law will be a civil infraction with fines up to $100 as well as possible additional costs up to $100, a Michigan State Police news release states. There are no points associated with the civil infraction and it does not impact status in the GDL program. Exemptions to the law include emergency situations and hands-free devices.

Statistics show that 52 people were killed and 452 were seriously injured in crashes involving Michigan drivers aged 17 and younger in 2011. Of the fatalities, 16 were drivers aged from 14 to 17 years. Level 1 and Level 2 license holders are between 14 years, 9 months old and 17 years old.

“Born from tragedy, Kelsey’s Law will help novice drivers focus solely on driving,” said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director. “The largest contributing factors to teen traffic crashes are inexperience and immaturity. Driver distractions only exacerbate these situations so we hope teens will remember to put their phone in park.”

The Michigan Legislature approved Kelsey’s Law at the end of the 2012 legislative session. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Howard Walker (R-Traverse City) and supported through the efforts of Kelsey’s mother, Bonnie Raffaele.

“This is an educational stage for a young driver and we encourage parents to talk to their children to promote safe driving habits,” Clarmont concluded.